Delayed adverse events in male plateletpheresis donors: Initial insights on donor safety

Minimal information is available regarding delayed adverse donor events (D-ADEs) in plateletpheresis donors. Proactive follow up of donors for D-ADEs is not done routinely by BTS. The aim of this study was to analyze frequency and type of D-ADEs and its correlation with contributory factors if any.

In this prospective observational study all eligible donors were contacted by telephone twice and asked about general wellbeing and questions specific to adverse donor events (ADEs). Donors were called at 24 hours and 2 weeks after donation. The ADEs were categorized in accordance with the International Society of Blood Transfusion standard guidelines.

A total of 531 donors were analyzed in the study. D-ADEs were more common as compared to immediate ADEs (I-ADEs) (19.21% vs 5.46%, P < .0001). The most common D-ADEs were bruises (7.34%) and sore arms (3.58%). Localized D-ADEs in form of bruise and hematomas were more frequent as compared to systemic D-ADEs like fatigue and vaso-vagal reactions (16.01% vs 3.20% P < .0001). Repeat donors had a lower incidence of systemic D-ADEs (1.61% vs 6.96%, P = .001). Donors with weight ≤75 kg and platelet count ≤230 × 10³  μL were more prone to systemic D-ADEs (P < .05). Citrate toxicity was more common in donors with weight ≤ 75 kg (P = .002).

Plateletpheresis procedures are relatively safer without any sequelae. D-ADEs are more common than I-ADEs. Localized D-ADEs are more frequent than systemic D-ADEs. First-time donors are more prone to D-ADEs than repeat donors.